Stitching Wartime Resilience into Peace Celebrations
I’m super excited to share that this summer, I’ll be in residence at Erewash Museum, leading an ambitious community project to create 50 meters of bunting to commemorate VE and VJ Day.
Throughout August 2025, I’ll be based at the museum, inviting local residents and visitors to join me at drop-in workshops to make bunting inspired by the spirit of wartime celebrations. Rooted in the 1940s ethos of “make do and mend,” we’ll be working with reclaimed, vintage, and recycled fabrics in red, white, and blue. As always I’m on the lookout for fabrics so please contact me if you have cotton fabrics you’d like to donate.)
During the workshops, we’ll reflect on how we mark peace, joy, and community, then and now, asking questions like:
- What does celebration mean to you?
- How did past generations mark the end of war?
- How do we celebrate peace today?
Whether you’re a confident stitcher or have never picked up a needle, there’s something for everyone:
- Rag Bunting – A no-sew activity that’s perfect for children, families, or anyone looking for a quick and creative way to contribute.
- Embroidered Bunting – A slower, more detailed experience using hand embroidery and appliqué. These guided, drop-in sessions welcome participants of all abilities.
The completed bunting will make its debut at the War Time Variety Show on Friday, 29th August 2025, with a section featured in the upcoming “From Gas Masks to Garden Parties” exhibition opening in September.
Designed to be reused and re-shared, you can expect to see the bunting appear at various museum events for years to come — a lasting symbol of community, creativity, and sustainable making.
To get the ball rolling, I’ve stitched the very first meter of bunting — just 49 to go! I hope you’ll join me in this ambitious creative adventure. Every flag added is a piece of our shared story, stitched with memory, imagination, and hope.
Workshop dates and times will be announced soon, so watch this space!
Every Stitch A Story 